Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn

Because Rh incompatibility is preventable with the use of RhoGAM, prevention remains the best treatment. Treatment of an infant who is already affected depends on the severity of the condition.

Infants with mild Rh incompatibility may be treated with:

• Feeding and fluids (hydration)
• Phototherapy using bilirubin lights

Full recovery is expected for mild Rh incompatibility.

Possible complications include:

• Brain damage due to high levels of bilirubin (kernicterus)
• Fluid buildup and swelling in the baby (hydrops fetalis)
• Problems with mental function, movement, hearing, speech, and seizures

Call your health care provider if you think or know you are pregnant and have not yet seen a doctor.

Images

Jaundice infant

Antibodies

Erythroblastosis fetalis, photomicrograph

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Rh incompatibility Symptoms

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Rh incompatibility Prevention

Review Date: 02/10/2011
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)